Agent V

A lot of queries referencing #MSWL are reaching. "You like feminist topics? My book has a woman in it!" Careful what you wishlist. #QueryTip

Try to avoid genre cliches as adjectives in your query, like "tough" or "sardonic" thriller MC's or "quirky" romance MCs. #QueryTip

Apart from overuse of "literally" (of which I'm often verbally guilty) this is the kind of confidence we're going for. #TenQueries #QueryTip

Unsupported or potentially controversial suppositions in your first line. Big query killer. Ex: "All girls want..." #TenQueries #QueryTip

Please never use the words "I have just completed" in your query. Ideally you've betad, revised, edited etc. long before querying. #querytip

I cannot stress enough how much a mistake it is to start off your query on a negative note, or reference your past failures. #querytip

#QueryTip: Mentioning how unsuccessful you've been with previous submissions is like talking about having been dumped on a first date.

I know it's tricky to find balance between self-effacing and too cocky, but maybe don't mention in your query how much you suck. #querytip

Reading through the query, I can't tell whether it's fiction or NF or the genre, until the market graph. Hmm. #TenQueries #QueryTip

If your query contains a TON of unnecessary words, redundancy, etc. I'm going to assume your manuscript is the same. #TenQueries #QueryTip

Literally just had a query apologizing for sending me an unedited manuscript. This is not okay, for many reasons. #TenQueries #QueryTip

Reasons you didn't get a query response:
1. Didn't follow guidelines
2. You subbed multiple agents/didn't mention why
3. Rudeness
#querytip

Probably 80% of the queries I receive read as "any agent will do." Showing you researched puts you AHEAD OF THE PACK. #querytip #tenqueries

THISSSSS>>>> #tenqueries #querytip

If you sub to an agent and they reject your MS, it's a good idea to check policy before querying another agent at the same house. #QueryTip

If your query to me is addressed to [not my name], I usually delete without reading because I assume it's not really meant for me. #QueryTip

Only a few more days until torontowritingworkshop.com don't forget to sign up for your critiques! #writetip #querytip #writingcon

Send your query to yourself first, to make sure everything looks ok. #querytip from @VanessaRobins7 #hippocamp16

So many querying writers ignore word count norms in their market. @VanessaRobins7 #querytip #hippocamp16

#QueryTip: audience/market line = "My work will appeal to fans of [subject matter comp] & [voice comp]." #hippocamp16